Contents 1. Working as a Journalist... 2 2. Skills, Education and Experience... 6 3. Finding Jobs... 7 4. Applying for a Job... 10 5. Getting Help from Industry Sources... 11 1. Working as a Journalist Job Description Working as a Journalist you will perform some or all of the following duties: Collect local, national, and international news through interviews, investigation and observation Write news stories, editorials and/or commentaries Receive, analyze, and verify news and other copy for accuracy Specialize in fields such as medicine, science, and technology Write critical reviews of literary, musical, and other artistic works Journalists may specialize in print, broadcast, or Webcast media in particular issues such as political affairs or entertainment news, or in a particular geographic area. Source: NOC, http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/noc/english/noc/2011/quicksearch.aspx?val65=5123 Industry Overview Journalism is an incredibly diverse field that offers a variety of career possibilities. There is a decline in print media and new opportunities for journalism in electronic media. Journalism is a highly competitive field. Some journalism graduates seek work in closely related fields, such as advertising and public relations. The majority of journalists in BC are employed in the Lower Mainland Southwest, and Vancouver Island and Coast regions. Sources: Work BC http://www.workbc.ca/careers/ [Search 5123] AND Careers in Journalism http://www.twu.ca/academics/fhss/international/careers-in-journalism.pdf Last update January 8, 2016 2
Job Outlook in BC Chart from WorkBC The Employment Outlook for BC provides job opening projections for journalists within BC regions: Region 2010 Estimated Employment 2015 Estimated Employment Avg Annual % Change, 5 Years, 2010 to 2015 Vancouver Island 180 220 3.9% Lower Mainland/Southwest 790 880 2.2% Thompson-Okanagan 170 170 0.7% Kootenay 30 30 0.4% Cariboo 30 40 6.8% North Coast & Nechako 20 20 6.9% Northeast 10 10 17.7% Source: Regional Employment Projections, BC Stats. Projections for development regions. http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/statisticsbysubject/labourincome/employmentunemployment/re gionalemploymentprojections.aspx [accessed October 2014] Last update January 8, 2016 3
You can learn more about working as a Journalist in BC from WorkBC, Career Profiles at http://workbc.ca/careers [search NOC 5123] Types of Employers Journalists are employed by: radio television networks stations internet sites newspapers magazines Journalists may also work on a freelance basis, self employed. Salary The average annual salary for Journalist in BC is between $66,000 and $95,000. Journalists who work their way up to editor or manager positions may make over $80,000 a year. Many journalists work full-time, but some work on a freelance basis and sell their stories to several different publications. Earnings for freelance journalists vary depending on the price they are able to get for their stories, and the number of stories they sell each year. Journalists working for large newspapers, magazines, or media organizations are often unionized. These positions often include benefits such as dental and health care and paid sick days and paid vacation. Source: Career Cruising database (Profile for Print Journalist). Available from the VPL Online Articles, Encyclopedias & More page: http://www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/alpha/c Last update January 8, 2016 4
Job Bank Canada provides hourly wages for journalists in BC regions: Source: Job Bank Canada http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/ Working Hours Many journalists work full-time, but some work on a freelance basis and sell their stories to several different publications. Although most journalists work an average of 40 to 50 hours a week, they may have irregular schedules. Newspaper journalists may have to work late into the night to cover important stories. Those who work on a freelance basis have the freedom to set their own hours, as long as they meet their deadlines. Source: Career Cruising database (Profile for Print Journalist). Last update January 8, 2016 5
2. Skills, Education and Experience Skills excellent written language and communication skills research skills and attention to detail working well with others good computer skills knowledge of current events willingness to take risks critical thinking initiative and persistence knowledge of journalistic ethics, laws, and standards ability to handle heavy workload and work within tight deadlines Sources: Work BC and Career Cruising database (Profile for Print Journalist). Education and Experience A university degree or college diploma in journalism or a related field such as communications is usually required. Most employers prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor s degree or a program in journalism or communications that offers a period of internship in a newsroom is excellent preparation. Many journalism schools also offer graduate programs. Sources: NOC and Career Cruising database (Profile for Print Journalist). Qualifications This occupation is not regulated in British Columbia. Last update January 8, 2016 6
3. Finding Jobs You ll find job advertisements in local newspapers, electronic sources, and through professional associations. Local Newspapers You can look at the Vancouver Sun & the Province at Vancouver Public Library for free. Check the job postings daily, the careers section in the Vancouver Sun on Wednesdays and Saturdays and in the Province on Sundays. Job White Pages Available in print at the Central Library or online at http://jobfreeway.com/memberdocs/vpl-home.htm NOTE: You can only access this database from the Central Library or VPL branch libraries. Access is NOT available from home or outside the Library. Online Job Postings Indeed.com http://ca.indeed.com/advanced_search Find jobs posted on a multitude of company career sites and job boards Jeff Gaulin s Journalism Job Board http://www.jeffgaulin.com/ Canada's leading web site for employment in the journalism, media, and communications industry Media Job Search Canada http://www.mediajobsearchcanada.com/ Site for media-related jobs across Canada Last update January 8, 2016 7
Professional Associations Career Resources Canadian Media Production Association Job Board http://www.cmpa.ca/about-cmpa/careers Identifying the Right Position When you browse job advertisements, you ll find a wide range of different job titles that are relevant. For journalists (NOC 5123), look for these and other related job titles Book reviewer Content provider Broadcast journalist Columnist Correspondent Cyberjournalist Investigative reporter News commentator Reporter Television news anchorperson Source: NOC Last update January 8, 2016 8
Creating a List of Potential Employers You can use directories to produce lists of companies in the Lower Mainland or BC in the journalism sector. Contact them directly to find out if they re hiring. Canadian Media Production Association Membership Directory http://www.cmpa.ca/membership/membership-directory Canadian Writer s Market Available at the Central Library, 808.02 G65c11 PWAS Guide to Canadian Markets for Professional Freelance Writers Available at the Central Library, 808.0205 P445pa Reference Canada http://www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/alpha/r Go to the Reference Canada database, choose the Custom Search button, and select both Keyword/SIC/NAICS under Business Type and City under Geography. In the top search box enter newspaper or magazine and click LOOKUP. Select the appropriate headings. Lower down, select the province, choose the cities, and click the View Results button. Available from the VPL Online Articles, Encyclopedias & More page NOTE: You can access this database from a Library computer. If you are using a computer from outside the Library, you will need a Vancouver Public Library card to login to this database. After clicking on the database name, you will be asked to enter your library card number and PIN (usually last four digits of your telephone number). Last update January 8, 2016 9
4. Applying for a Job In Canada, employers usually expect to receive a resume (curriculum vitae) and a cover letter that identifies the position you are applying for and summarizes your relevant experience. Use the library catalogue, http://vpl.bibliocommons.com/ to find books on writing resumes and cover letters specific to your industry. To learn about applying for jobs in Canada, use the following pathfinders which are available in print at the Central Library or online at http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/. Writing Resumes and Cover Letters Go to http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca [Search Writing Resumes and Cover Letters] Getting Canadian Work Experience Go to http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca [Search Getting Canadian Work Experience] Networking for Employment Go to http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca [Search Networking for Employment] Learn More About Working in BC and Canada Go to http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca [Search Learn More About Working in BC and Canada] Last update January 8, 2016 10
5. Getting Help from Industry Sources Industry Associations There are associations for journalists in BC and Canada. These associations provide assistance to organizations and individuals working in this sector. Canadian Association of Journalists http://caj.ca/ Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) http://www.cjf-fjc.ca/ A not-for-profit organization that exists to support and reward excellence in Canadian journalism and provide a trustworthy source of information. Canadian Media Production Association http://www.cmpa.ca/ Community Newspapers Associations - British Columbia and Yukon http://bccommunitynews.com/ Newspapers Canada A joint initiative of The Canadian Newspaper Association and The Canadian Community Newspapers Association http://www.newspaperscanada.ca/ Professional Writers Association of Canada http://www.pwac.ca/ This organization represents those who write for newspapers, magazines, journals, and other periodicals. Last update January 8, 2016 11
Industry Journals Search the Vancouver Public Library catalogue for journals related to your profession. Examples at the Central Library: Canadian Writer s Market Available at VPL, Central Library Branch, 808.02 G65c11 Media / The Canadian Association of Journalists Available online at http://www.caj.ca/media-magazine-spring-2015/ Quill and Quire Available at VPL, Central Library Branch, 015 Q6 And online at http://www.quillandquire.com/ Questions? Please ask the Information Staff in the Central Library, Vancouver Public Library or telephone 604-331-3603. Please note that the information in this guide is also available online through the Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre website at http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/. Last update January 8, 2016 12